Know what to do when a tornado loomsThe horror of a tornado is that it can strike at a moment’s notice, often leaving residents little time to react. That’s why it is so very important that you and your family know what to do well before any potential danger. When tornado conditions are rightTake shelter immediately, preferably in an in-home shelter or a designated area in your basement — away from windows or objects that could be picked up and thrown by wind. It’s a good idea to stay tuned to TV or a radio so you’re aware when severe weather is possible. Listen for a tornado siren. Watch for a dark sky, hail, a loud roar and/or a funnel cloud. If you hear a warning or see signs a tornado could be coming your way, don’t wait to see a funnel cloud to take shelter. If you live in a mobile home, evacuate immediately — before the storm reaches your home. Tornadoes can overturn, throw or crush mobile homes. If you have ample time, go to the nearest community shelter, friend’s home or other safe building. During a tornadoDon’t open windows. According to the Institute for Business and Home Safety, opening windows invites wind to enter and blow the house up like a balloon. Plus, it wastes valuable time you could use to seek shelter. A sturdy table or desk can provide you protection during the storm. After a tornadoDon’t use matches, lighters, appliances or light switches until you’re sure there is no gas leak. If you smell gas, the National Center for Environmental Health recommends shutting off the gas supply using a valve near the meter. Also shut off electricity; sparks could ignite the gas. Turn off the water supply. Arrange furniture so chairs and beds are away from windows, mirrors and picture frames. Place heavy or large items on lower shelves. Shirley Vanderheiden CLU, LUTCF

July 1 marks the beginning of the state’s 2004-05 budget biennium. Under the budget authored and approved by the governor and Republicans, citizens will see a number of cuts in services and increases in fees. Although the governor claims he did not increase taxes, I will always argue that a fee is a tax.The "pay more, get less" budget will impact families’ lives in a number of ways. They might not notice a big change right on July 1, but as they look for affordable daycare, renew their license plates, receive their children’s’ college tuition bills, visit state parks, discuss their parents’ nursing home bills with them, and receive their property tax statements, families will notice that the fees will add up.As the fees increase, services will decrease. Cities are having to cut back on police and fire protection, there is going to be a back log of court cases, 14,000 people are losing health insurance on July 1 and that number is going to increase, and organizations like the Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program are drastically cutting their services.I appreciate all the input area residents gave me during the legislative session, and I encourage you to continue to contact me with your questions and concerns. I am interested in knowing how citizens will be impacted by the new budget and I always welcome your comments and concerns. Comments can be sent to my St. Paul office at 226 State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155, sen.jim.vickerman@senate.mn or 651-296-5094, or I can be contacted at home at 2252 221st St., Tracy, MN 56175 or 507-629-4878.Jim Vickerman, State Senator Dist. 22

DISTRICT COURTFifth Judicial DistrictProbate Court DivisionORDER FOR HEARING PETITION FOR DESCENT OF PROPERTYSTATE OF MINNESOTACOUNTY OF ROCKIn Re: Estate of George WassenaarThe Petition of Robert Wassenaar, dated the 20th day of June, 2003, having been filed in this Court representing that the above named decedent has been dead for more than three years leaving certain property therein described, and requesting that the descent of said property be determined and assigned by the Court to the persons entitled thereto.IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, That said Petition be heard on Monday, the 28th day of July, 2003, at 9:00 o’clock a.m. by the above named Court at Luverne, State of Minnesota. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED That the petitioner give notice of said hearing in the manner prescribed by M.S.A. 524.1-401 to all persons entitled to notice pursuant to M.S.A. 524.3-403 and to all persons who have filed a demand for notice pursuant to M.S.A. 524.3-204. Dated: June 30, 2003/s/ Timothy K. Connell, District Court Judge/s/Sandra L. Vrtacnik, Court AdministratorDOUGLAS E. EISMAAttorney for PetitionerEISMA AND EISMA130 East Main StreetP.O. Box 625Luverne, MN 56156(507) 283-4828(7-3, 7-10)

Hills-Beaver Creek Dist. 671Minutes6-09-03The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board met for its semimonthly meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the library in Hills. Board members present were DeBoer, Larson, Boeve, Baker, Leuthold, Esselink, and Harnack. Also in attendance was Superintendent Deragisch. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Harnack.Visitors to the meeting were Wendell Bengtson and Jolene Farley of The Crescent. Patriot Pride: State track participants were Erin Boeve, Cassie Tilstra, Chris Reid, Lee Jackson, Kale Wiertzema, Tyler Bush and Todd Alberty. The boys team earned 2nd place in state over all.*A thank you to Lucy and Plona Cupery for taking such good care of the flower garden at the elementary school. Minutes of the last meeting were approved as sent out.Motion by DeBoer, second by Larson, and carried to approve the bills. The legislative update was given by Esselink. Discussion was held on current fees and prices charged for events and lunch. An update was given by the building committee.Superintendent Deragisch reported on the current dental and vision insurance. The board was reminded to turn in reimbursement sheets for meetings and mileage for this fiscal year. Dates to remember: June 30 School Board meetingAgenda items for the next meeting were discussed.Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.Ann Boeve, Clerk*Chris Reid – 1st long jump, 1st 100m, 3rd 200m: Tyler Bush – 5th 800m; 8th in the 4X 8 relay, Lee Jackson, Todd Alberty, Kale Wiertzema, Tyler Bush(7-3)

Mathilda Wolfswinkel, 96, Hills, died Wednesday, June 25, 2003, at Fellowship Village in Inwood, Iowa. Services were Saturday, June 28, at Hills United Reformed Church in Hills. The Rev. Robert Timmer officiated. Burial was in Hills United Reformed Cemetery. Mathilda Van Pykeren was born to Gerrit and Jennie (Mulder) Van Pykeren on June 7, 1907, in Perkins, Iowa. As a child she moved with her family to Edgerton and later moved to Rock Valley, Iowa, and Hull, Iowa, where she attended Christian School. She married Peter DeJongh on Feb. 8, 1927, at her parent’s home in Hull. Following their marriage they lived at Boyden, Iowa, for a year before moving to Hills. Mr. DeJongh died Feb. 6, 1980. Following his death, she remained in Hills. She married John Wolfswinkel on Sept. 4, 1983, at Inspiration Hills near Inwood. After their marriage, they lived in Hills. Mr. Wolfswinkel died in November 1994. She moved to Fellowship Village at Inwood in September 1997. Mrs. Wolfswinkel was a long-time member of Hills United Reformed Church. She was an accomplished seamstress and for many years she used this talent in making clothing and wedding dresses for her family and others in the community. Survivors include one son, Preston (Joan) DeJongh, Denver, Colo.; one daughter, Geneva (Bud) Van Hill, Inwood; 11 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and 20 great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Wolfswinkel was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, one granddaughter, Cheryl Kempema in 1980, three brothers and five sisters. Roste Funeral Home, Hills, was in charge of arrangements.

Villagers continue to clip articles in old Crescents for the scrapbook to be placed at the Museum. There is always some interesting article someone finds that she shares. For example: classes at H-BC were larger, more students overall. Then there was the ad offering 13.4 percent interest from the banks in 1968. Alice thought we should send a copy of that one to Mr. Bonander. There were always lots of ads from the grocery stores in Hills. We once had three, Don Shelstad’s, Don Toms, and Elmer Ruud’s. How prices have changed. This prompted me to remember our Maureen (now Helgeson) having 50¢ she received as a birthday present. With the money in her fist she headed to Don Shelstad’s store to buy candy. There Don talked her out of spending the whole 50¢. "That’s a lot of money and it will provide you with treats for a long time," he told her. She finally agreed, made her purchases, and left with her change, heading straight for Don Tom’s grocery where she spent the remaining funds. Earl met Mary in the hall one morning and quoted Paul Harvey, "We’re not here for a very long time so let’s have a good time." That’s one reason she said for having a tasting party. There were unusual crackers with lingenberry and rhubarb jams offering new tastes. We not only tasted but experienced new smells as well. Not all pleasant odors like bread baking or fresh cookies but the smell of Joan giving Ruby a permanent or the most recent, the "stink" of the little black and white skunk. Tenants having their windows open the last couple of nights noticed it the most. We’re wondering how we can correct the situation. The animal’s not been seen but he’s made his presence known, probably living in the Helgeson grove. Once again the Crawfords have been very generous in giving a high chair for use in the garden room as a memorial to Howard. It’s a wooden piece of furniture that slides right up to the table. It’s very nice and the Villagers thank them for being so thoughtful. We’ve experienced the longest day of the year. Two thousand three is half over. We’ve visitors: Signe’s son from Philadelphia, and Loretta Hamann of Luverne. Loretta brought Joan and Wayne Goodwin of Raleigh, N.C., with her. We had an auxiliary picnic. We ate peas from our garden. We’ve been doing some side stepping hoping to stay out of the way of the painters and the movers. Bonnie is moving her office back to the Tuff Home across the street. Mary now occupies Bonnie’s office and Mary’s office becomes the activity office and staff lounge along with the beauty shop. When looking at our garden you see brightly colored spots in the tomatoes. Arnold T. took strips of material and tied up the tomato plants. Makes the garden look cheerful and the plants will be off the ground. I’ll keep you posted.

What can we say about the weather? It has a habit of going from bad to worse and after Tuesday evening when South Dakota was bombarded with between 30 to 60 tornados I am not going to complain about our weather, no matter what, as we were fortunate to escape all the bad weather that evening. We did receive some rain, not a whole lot, just a nice shower that keeps things growing, especially the weeds! This week we will be celebrating Independence Day, July 4th. I don’t know what happened to the month of June but Monday was the last day. We always expect the corn to be knee high by July 4th but I am wondering if it will make it this year! I did see a few fields on the way to church that looked like they might make it which would make us all happy as that seems to be our security blanket to assure us of a good corn crop come fall. On second thought, who wants to think about fall?A little after 6 p.m. Sunday evening people gathered in Steen City Park to enjoy the seventh annual outdoor concert sponsored by Steen Reformed Church. The concert began their evening filling the air with gospel songs and four-part harmony. The park was filled with those who had come to enjoy the evening and they were not disappointed. Adding to the evening was free ice cream, bars and beverages of your choice, just for the taking. Two of the groups that performed were the "Voice of Praise" from Newkirk, Iowa, and the Allen Family from Michigan. Local talent was also included in the program. Music filled the air until 8:30. Thanks to all who helped make this a very successful concert and an inspirational evening for all! Ginger France, Sioux City, Iowa, spent the weekend visiting her mother, Micky Bonnema, who resides in Tuff Home as well as other relatives in the community.Our deepest sympathy goes out to Winnie Scholten on the death of her brother-in-law, Bert Regenenis, and his family. He passed away on Thursday. Guests in the Daryl and Marie Paulsen home this past week were Bev and Frank Bartoni, Cape May, N.J., and Julie Comni, Bimingham, N.J. They arrived on Friday, June 20, and returned to their home on Friday, June 27. Congratulations to Joni Brouwer and Louis Doelstra who were united in marriage Friday evening. Friday Mildred Keunen, Ginger France, Jo Aykens, Bertha Bosch and Joyce Aykens enjoyed lunch together in Sioux Falls. Tom and Amy Bosch and daughters, Isabel and Emma, and four of their friends were Sunday evening callers in the home of Tom’s parents, Dries and Laura May Bosch.Friday evening visitors in the Arnold and Jane Bonnema home were Art and Henrietta Boeve. Dries and Laura May Bosch enjoyed lunch on Thursday evening with Lee and Edwina Rust of Luverne and Lee’s stepdaughter, Laura Rust, and Kelly from California who were houseguests in the Rust home in Luverne. Sunday visitors in the Arnold and Jane Bonnema home were Milton Bonnema and Ginger France from Sioux City. Other visitors that day were Henry and Marilyn Van Aartson, Orange City, Iowa. This week we will be celebrating the 4th of July and our country’s freedom which is so meaningful to us today. As we realize there are many other nations in the world who do not have nor do they even understand the meaning of the word "freedom" as it applies to all people. It is a good thing we had some very brave and strong founding fathers who stood up for what they believed and what was right. For many years there has been very little emphasis on this country’s freedom and the foundation on which it was built. I think it behooves all of us to spend a little time thinking about what this nation would be like without it. I would like to share with you an article to use as food for thought. It is titled "Our Heritage" and was written by a high school senior for the class commencement of her high school class and their parents and friends."This country was not founded to distribute the wealth equally among its citizens; it was founded so that each citizen would have the opportunity to strive for the highest goal he felt capable of achieving. Wealth, luxury, and security are neither inherited nor guaranteed in our system. Our people, the establishment, call it what you may, have to earn them.This country was founded on the role of government intervention in the lives of the people, not to foster it. Yet our government grows larger every day. Our country was created to reward man with individual initiatives not to chastise or handicap him by placing an increasing heavy burden of taxation upon his shoulders, to the point where it destroys his initiative.Finally our country was founded not on the promise that all men are equal but on the promise that all men are created equal. This phrase often causes confusion. These are the principles upon which our country was founded. It was created by practical application of the ideas, and if we are to survive, we must return to them. We have seen a miracle here in the new world. The greatest experiment in self-government has produced the greatest nation ever to grace our planet. And we simply must not be swerved by those who would seek to modify the basic terms of the American ideal.I think each one of us should take time to try and remember why this country was founded. Why it was believed that there was a better way, and remember the concern that the men who founded this country felt for the individual and for his freedom. Yes, we have many problems facing us today and tomorrow. But we shall solve them if we do not forsake our heritage."

Ray Nelson attended the annual afternoon service and program at Eden Church near Jasper Sunday afternoon. His father, Otto, was a member of Eden as a young man. The family of Robert and Twila Kirsch had a reunion over the weekend. Attending were Barbara and Ron Koch, Bismarck, N.D.; Joel and Susan Aukes, Fargo, N.D.; Emily and Sean Janoscrat, Endicott, N.Y.; Becky and John Fallenstein, Seth, Amanda, Devan, Cayden, Brytton, Chelena and Jimmy, Eugene, Ore.; Meghan White, Aloha, Ore.; Brian Kirsch, Wailuku, Hawaii; Barry and Jane Kirsch, Sarah, Bridget and Terri, Riverside, Iowa; Debra Mathias, Dylan and Alison, Heron Lake; and Cynthia Lentz, Jessica, Riley and Breann Wheeler, Windom. Special guests on Sunday were Shirley Olson, Arnold Swanson, the Rev. Lowell and Sonja Berg, Ray and Lois Nelson, all of Hills, Berneta Johnson, Russell, Bill and Merlyn Veenhof, Luverne, and Ted Polhman, Eli and Ike, Lakefield. On Sunday, Devan, Cayden, Brytton and Chelena, adopted children of Becky and John Fallenstein, were baptized at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Becky’s home church. Luke Mathias was unable to attend because he is undergoing a stem-cell transplant in Minneapolis. Sunday, Carroll and Judy Hol, Cedar, Iowa, were dinner guests in the home of Chuck and Rheta DeBoer. Thursday evening, Wilmer and Betty Elbers joined Ed and Iva Elbers, Luverne, for dinner with Ron and Faith Talsma, Bellflower, Calif. Mr. and Mrs. D. Klumpenhower and son, Gerrit, were Sunday evening visitors in the Chuck and Rheta DeBoer home.Dewayne and Margo Edwards, Forestburg, S.D., and Harriet Skattum flew to California. At Laguna Niguel they visited Lon and Ann Skattum and attended their son, Nick’s, high school graduation. They returned home last Monday night. Pat Baxter, Sioux Falls, was in Hills last Monday and called on Luella Schlueter and other friends. Pat taught business at the high school from 1966 to 1969.Gene and Shirley Sundem, Sioux Falls, were Friday afternoon visitors in the home of Martha Lindrud. Wednesday afternoon Betty Elbers visited her mother, Jessie Boeve, at Edgebrook Care Center in Edgerton. The Rev. Jeff and Karen DeBoer and two sons, Josiah and Micah, Garner, Iowa, are spending this week in the home of his parents, Chuck and Rheta DeBoer.

Moo-ve over, Funny Cide and Empire Maker. Both of you may have won races in this year’s Triple Crown, but the next animals on the tracks could have names like Clarabelle, Nellie and Bossy. According to the Associated Press, "Pete Ondrus and his wife Barb Lambert told the Greenville, Mich., Daily News that they were looking forward to a summer of ballparks and fairs in which they would stage races between their favorite cow, Dusty Roads, and two other trained race cows." We should have seen it coming. After watching races between horses, dogs, goats, fleas, turtles, we should have realized cows were the only species we hadn’t seen on the tracks. Until now, cows could only make names for themselves by starring in cow bingo competitions, an almost unimaginable Midwestern activity that revolves around penned-up cows leaving their droppings on a numbered grid. (I don’t know what kind of spectator could be hooked on cow bingo, but it might very well be a person whose favorite songs include "I Don’t Know Whether to Kill Myself or Go Bowling" and "Mama Get the Hammer — There’s a Fly on Papa’s Head." The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has listed those as real song titles.) If cow racing surpasses horse racing in popularity, the changes should be quite obvious. It won’t be long before the races of the Triple Crown (the Belmont, the Preakness and the Kentucky Derby) will be renamed The Belmilk, The Dairy Queen-ness and The Wisconsin Derby. Thoroughbreds and quarter horses will be replaced by Holstein, Guernsey and Jersey cows. Instead of strolling around the racetracks, sipping mint juleps, racing fans will slurp more appropriate beverages, such as milkshakes and malted milks. Cow racing would be much safer than horse racing for at least two reasons. First of all, cows aren’t built for speed, which can be dangerous. They were originally designed to meander slowly in pastures from one good clump of grass to another. Secondly, because cows tend to be shorter than horses, being thrown to the ground would mean less broken bones and other injuries for jockeys. Buying a ticket to a cow race would mean getting more for your money. While a horse race can be over in the blink of an eye, a race for contented cows could possibly last for hours or entire days. When you’re contented, what’s the rush? Cow owners and trainers will be less anxious and have less expectations than their horse counterparts. Most cow investors will be satisfied to see their cows stop chewing their cuds and run any distance at all. Racing cows wouldn’t require elaborate retirement plans, such as those accorded to racing horses. Retired horse champions often bask away their final days in green pastures with willing mares and bring in huge stud fees. Cow champions past their prime will, more often than not, land up covered with a special sauce between two halves of a sesame seed bun. In conclusion, it’s almost a certainty that loyal, enthusiastic cow racing fans won’t appreciate another song with a terrible title, "I Wanna Whip Your Cow."